davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-02-25

While it must be expected that the con
sututionality of the interstate commerce
law will be tested in the courts, it is
worth of note, that many of the leading
railroad companies exhibit commend
able readiness to obey its provisions. They
are rearranging their rates, cutting off
free passes, and in general are showing a
disposition to comply with the require
ments of the bill. Just how the general
railroad business of the country will final
ly arrange itself upon the new basis re-
mains to be seen. There is no question
that the new law will work more to the
disadvantage of some roads than others {;
but the fact that it will on the whole con-
duce to the benefit of the public must be
allowed to offset any objections on this
score. Such law was sure to come, SOON
er or later, for it is founded uponlessential
Justice and the sooner all railroads de-
eide 20 conform fairly and honestly to its
provisions, the better it will be for all con-
cerned.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-02-25
To Survivors of the Mexican War.

To Survivors Of the Mexican War.
Senator Edmunds has received from the
United States pension bureau, and has
forwarded to this Office for distribution,
number of blank applications with &C
companying circulars and envelopes, for
the use of any Vermont survivors of the
Mexican war, or widows of such surviv.
ors, who may desire to apply for pensions
under the act of January 30, 1887, which
has recently become law. These will be
sent to any claimant who wishes to apply
for pension under that act-the object
being to save such applicants the expense
of employing an attorney.
Any soldier who served sixty days in
the military or naval service of the United
States in Mexico or on the coast or from
tier thereof, or en- route thereto, in the
war with that nation or who was ac-
tually engaged in battle with the enemy
in that war, whatever his length of SER
vice or who was personally named in a
resolution of Congress for some specific
service in said war, is entitled to a pen
sion, prortdcd he can prove his enlist
ment and honorable discharge, and pro
vided that he is siXtytwo years of age, OF
is disabled, or is dependent. The widows
of such persons, are also, as we under
stand entitled to pensions.
The blanks will be sent free of expense
to any such persons who will send theil
names and addresses to the editor of this
paper
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-02-25

Its Methods rs illustrated in the Case of
Postal Clerk Sherman.

It is natural and right that Vermonters
should judge OF Mr. Cleveland's admins
tration by what they see of its operations
in their own State. So judging, every
candid man, be he republican, independ-
ent or democrat, must see that the civil
service reform promises and professions,
upon which Mr.. Cleveland was elected,
have been thrown utterly to the winds.
From the removal of Gen. Wells down to
the latest suspensions, every change made
in the offices in this State has been dis
tnct and palpabe violation of the presi-
dents pledges. That an absolutely clean
sweep in the federal Offices has not taken
place. evidently has been because in few
cases no democrat could be found that
would anywhere near fill the place of the
republican incumbent, or because the dem
ocrats were quarrelling so over the office
that nothing like agreement upon man
could be secured.
A fresh instance Of glaring violation of
the principles of civil service reform and
of the pledges of the administration has
occurred lately in the removal of Postal
Clerk Frank w. Sherman, who has been
superseded by democrat on the route
between Burlington and Boston via Rut-
land.
1t will be remembered that in the case
of railway postal clerks some special prom
ises were made upon the accession of Post
master General Villas. These were even
embodied in the postof1ice regulations, in
the following shape:
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-02-25

A semi-official letter received at Vienna
from st. Petersburg states that Russia is
waiting for a Franco German conflict,
which she considers inevitable, to realize
her own Balkan projects. While making
no compact with France, Russia would
consider it to be to her own interest not to
allow Germany to be victorious in strug
gle between those countries. 1t is sup
posed that this intention on the part of
Russia explains the dallying in the nego-
tiations for settlement of the Bulgarian
tinople.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-02-25

1t is curious combination that has
been made between the liquor dealers of
New York city and the ultra prohibitions
lists, to defeat the high license bill. OF
course, the prohibitionists cannot accom-
plish anything alone in New York. They
are as yet but faction-a third party.
Either the high license men or the saloon
men must win, and it would seem to be the
part of wisdom for the prohibitionists to
ally themselves with the temperance men
of the high license party. AS heretofore
however, they seem determined to give
practical aid and comfort to the wrong
side
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-02-25

Again there is loud talk in Nova Scotia
of secession from the Dominion. The
people of that province complain that their
interests have been sacrificed in order to
promote the welfare of the interior pro
vinces, and they very naturally wish to
escape from the bonds which hamper but
do not help One thing is sure, however
and that is that the United States doesn't
want Nova Scotia.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-02-25

The collapse of the New York strike has
left many of the union men, who struck
simply because they were told to, in
very bad condition. District No 40 could
order them out, but they find it cannot
put them back again. 1t cannot be that
the intelligent laboringmen of America
will long submit to such tyranny on the
part of executive committees and district
managers.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-02-25

Grand Master Workman PowGerly of
the Knights of Labor has written letter
to Chicago assembly conveying instruc-
tons for the conduct of a boycott. Ac-
cording to the courts this amounts to a
criminal conspiracy and renders MIR. Pow
DERBY liable to arrest and trial
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-02-25

The Boston Herald suggests that trav-
ellers carry a small axe in their satchels
with which to chop themselves out of a
wrecked car. The readiness with which
a satchel comes to hand and the excellent
chance to use an axe enjoyed by person
who is pinned down by heavy tlmbers
renders this one of the most brilliant prac-
teal suggestions evolved by the recent
disaster.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-02-25

The bill which was introduced in the
New York legislature to exempt women
from capital punishment, was promptly
killed by a vote in the assembly of ~
noes to 29ayes. This deprives the muir
deress, Mrs. Druse, of her last chance to
escape the penalty of the law, and unless
again reprieved she will be hanged next
Monday
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-02-25

The organ of the knights of Labor in
Chicago says the condemned anarchists
will not be hanged and it may be right.
The case is precisely the kind of one in
which, under the laws delays, the public
sentiment which at first demanded the
extreme penalty, is likely to fade into
forgetfulness or indifference, and finally
into assent to indefinite postponement of
the punishment.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-02-25

The woman suffragists have two sub
stantial crumbs of comfort. The COVER
nor of Kansas has signed bill passed by
the Legislature of that State giving
women the ballot in municipal elections
and it Is now a law. The Senate of the
State of New York, by the very decided
majority of 20 to 9, has passed similar
measure
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-02-25

The recent storm, with its accompani
ments of thunder and lightning, is sup
posed to have been a sort of meteorologi-
cal celebration, in honor of the appoint
ment to the signal service of Captain
Greedy.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-02-25

The emperor of China has decreed that
henceforth there shall be no religious in
tolerance in his realm, and the decree has
been published in all the provinces. A
magnificent opportunity for unimpeded
missionary work is thus opened to the
Christian world
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-02-25

A national labor convention is now in
session at Cincinnati, with over a thou
sand delegates present. 1t is likely that
the convention will be a stormy one, as
there are questions to be decided whc h
will call out the opposition existing be-
tween the Knights of Labor and the trades
unions.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-02-25

The Senate has passed Mr.. Hales bill
appropriating 100000 for increasing
the navy. We trust that this action will
be seconded by the House. AS the ap.
preparation is spread over several years
it will not be burden on the treasury
and it Is high time that something effec-
tive be done in the way of national de-
fence
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-02-25

1t is said that the prohibtionists will
nominate p. T. Barnum for president in
1885, If they do, for the first time in his
life he will stand no great show"
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-02-25

The revolt of the workingmen of New
York against the Knights of Labor is a
welcome sign of independence from the
dictation of demagogues. A strike against
strikes deserves success.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-02-25

Several of the great railroad companies
have come to the conclusion that the iu-
ter-State commerce law forbids them to
issue passes to any person who is not one
of their employees, and some of them are
sending out circular notices to that effect.
The st. Paul company tells the editors on
it's line that it cannot issue passes even in
payment for advertising. The railroad
managers quite generally agree that the
pass business has been overdone. Presi-
dent Adams declares that passes to the
value of 100000 year have been used on
the Union Pacific. OF course, practically,
those who buy tickets have to pay for this
enormous amount of free transportation.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-02-25

From report prepared by the adjutant
general of the United States army, it APP
pears that the four States of Maine, Yer
mont, New Hampshire and Massachu-
sets have an organized militia force of
1920 men and an available force Of 443, 1885,
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-02-25

be but short time now before there will
not be "A solitary republican remaining in
the postal service in Vermont. The pub.
lie see that the service is steadily running
down as regards reliability and efficiency.
and they must be prepared to see it still
worse before it is any better. Verify, this
is n "reform administration. -
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-02-25

The investigation now in progress into
democratic management of prisons, in
sane hospitals and other public institu-
tions in Indiana have already disclosed an
enormous amount of corruption and bru-
tality
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-02-25

Sir John Macdonald hasn't lost his grip
after all, and it will now be in order to dish
over that cold war-talk.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-02-25

Commenting on the fact that a Boston
base ball club has bought "the only
Kelley" who is called the best player in
the country from Chicago club for
$4,000 release money, the Troy Time.
remarks that lit would be interesting to
know how much the only Kelley could
earn in a year at honest hard work" The
Times seems to forget that Mr., Kelley is
professional man, like John l.. Sullivan
and William NJ. Evarts, neither of whom,
probably, could earn more than average
days wages in shovelling coal.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-02-25

The st. Adams Messenger as a rule
misquotes the FREE PRESS whenever it
quotes anything to which it sees fit to
take exception. If it keeps on, one of
these days we shall be driven to the be
lief that it misquotes Intentionally. The
FREE PRESS did not say, as the Messenger
says it did, that every soldier could name
many bounty jumpers. 1t said that some
soldiers could name many such. This is
quite different statement. The editor of
the Messenger was brave aud good sol
der and there is no occasion for him to
get upon his ear when others who were
not such are alluded to.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-02-25

Washington letters say that the presi-
dent declares that he has not been SO per
picked since assuming Office as he is over
the selection of suitable persons to serve
on the inter state commerce commission.
We trust that Mr.. Cleveland VIII appoint
men of ability and probity rather than
politicians, or persons who are urged be-
cause they are especially acceptable to the
parties concerned. The clamorers should
be passed by and the Office should seek
the best man. Only thus can the com
mission fulfil public expectation.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-02-25

There seems TO be very little criticism of
the president veto OF the bill to buy seed
for the sufferers from drought in Texas.
Though the veto may seem harsh and I'M
charitable, viewed from the standpoint
of sentiment, it is to be considered that If
a precedent like this should be establish
ed there would be no end of raids upon the
treasury by impecunious persons in the
future. If Mr.. Cleveland had showed
equal tirmness and good sense in his &C
ton upon the Mexican pension bill, he
would have done well.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-02-25

The administration has long since
virtually resigned all pretensions to civil
service reform. 1t no longer claims
to discriminate in its removals and APP
pointments between those who are worthy
to hold office, irrespective of political pre-
ferences, and those who are not Re
publlcans early saw that these preten-
sions were sham from the beginning;
but it was long time before the indie
pendents got their eyes open. Now there
is no question among men of any party
that the administration has yielded to
party pressure. and stands ready to chop
off any and every head that can be brought
to the block.
One of the latest instances of this dispo-
sition is found in the supercedure of Col
onel Jameson, as general superintendent
Of the railway mail service. Postmaster
General Villas did not hesitate to say, a
while ago, that the efficient condition Of
the railway mail service when it passed
into democratic hands was largely due to
Colonel Jameson's energy, administrative
skill and faithfulness, and that he could
not well be spared. But Mr.. Villas went
on filling the subordinate places with Of
fensive partisans, filling important
places with incompetent men until the
situation became intolerable to Colonel
Jameson, and he decided that he must
withdraw before the service, of which he
was so proud, became utterly demoralized.
The mail service has palpably deteriorated
in efficiency, since il passed into demo
cratic hands and the deterioration is like
ly to increase instead of lessen.
In the light of such cases as this of Col.
Jameson the civil service reform preten-
sions OF the administration became ridicu-
lous. But they may serve one good purpose
in bringing back into the republican ranks
the genuine civil service reformers who
were tricked into voting for a democrat
for president under the delusion that he
would give the country a reform admin
stration."
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-02-25

A bill is before the legislature of Min
nesota requiring all railroads in the state
to provide "some special car built of iron
or steel for each train of cars operated or
controlled by it, or "A compartment of such
car built of iron or steel, upon which shall
be located all light and heat producing
mediums used by it for lighting and heat
ing all passenger and sleeping cars used
and operated by it. 1t is permitted to use
the locomotive for this purpose. Several
other state legislatures are considering
similar measures.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-02-25
No New Tests.

The attempt to make support or non
support of the dependent pensions act,
test of party loyalty, which crops out now
and then in the columns of some incon-
siderate republican papers, is as silly
thing as has been seen in American poll
tics. Party lines were not drawn on the
bill in Congress, and they cannot be in
the country. A large number of the lead
ing republican papers, East and West,
deem the bill faulty and unwise. Among
this number are the Boston Traveller,
Worcester spy, Providence Journal, Troy
Times, Philadelphia Press, Cincinnati
Commercial Chicago Tribune, Albany
journal, New York Mail, and many
others of the foremost and squarest re-
publican journals in the country. The
people and papers who set about reading
these papers out of the republican party
will be likely to have a good time of it.
Among the papers which cannot approve
the principles of the bill are many which
have been and are among the strongest
friends of the soldiers. Their objections are
well expressed by the Army and Nary
Journal, which says
The action of President Cleveland in
vetoing the dependent pension bill will
meet with the approval of the self-re-
speeding members of the class of Union
soldiers and sailors for whose benefit it
was supposed to be intended. This bill
undertakes to establish the vicious prin-
clple of granting a pension to every one
who can show three months service and
subsequent disability, without requiring
him to establish any relationship between
the service and the disability. 1t thus
deprives the pension of its honorable
character and gives the "coffee-cool-
ers" of the war, the bounty jumpers
and the army frauds of every kind and
condition great advantage over honest
men in obtaining pensions. The fact that
sSOS, 64 81 was expended for pensions
from 1861 to July |, 1856, and SO 200, 600 is
appropriated for this year, shows that the
country has not been neglectful of the
claims for war service. Whatever further
legislation is required, it is going too far
to provide, rs the vetoed bill does, for en-
listed men who have not suffered the least
injury, disability, loss or damage of any
kind incurred in or in any degree referable
to their military service, including those
who never reached the front at all and
those discharged from rendezvous at the
close of the war, if discharged three
months after enlistment.
To maintain that those with whom
these considerations have weight are in
humane, uncharitable, exclusive. or I'M
mindful of the service and sufferings of
the Union veterans is simple nonsense.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-02-25
Special Notice.

pOSTOFFGCE DEPARTMENT, OFFICE OF
THE POSTMASTER G ENERAL, WASH
1NGTON, ID. c., March 81, 1888
Railway postal clerks who have become elf
Gent and valuable men, against whom no just
complaint OF neglect. ina tcntion or want of
identy, honesty or efficiency can toe br ught
a ID who have not turned their attention to
poll ical labors during their service. need
nave no fear of being disturbed so long us
they continue to render meritorious and faith
full service
Semi-weekly south Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1883-1889, 1887-08-02
Four Blind Men Play Poker.

Four blind men, graduates of the
Pennsylvania Institute for the in
struction OF the blind, played game
Of draw poker one night recently in
a room at the "Moon and Stars" 8
quaint old inn on the Germantown
road, and 1t is stated that $l35 was
won by one of the players, v no clean
ed out the other three. The men
played with cards ofvery curious con-
struction, manufactured by a man
named John Stevens, who is blind.
They were about three times MS thick
as the ordinary cards, and the figures
upon them were sunken and not rails
ed, as is the print commonly in vogue
for reading by the blind. The body
of the cards bore no marks whatever,
but in the upper left hand corner OF
each were sunken marks which signi-
fed the cards value. The suits were
designated by the letters d. ii. Z. and
S. and the cards by letters or mum
bers beneath them. The ace o
spades, for instance, being S. with thu
figure l beneath, and The
queen of hearts II, with the
letter @ beneeth. All four of tn,
players have been using the cards FOL
some time, and have become quit,
proficient in handling and reading
them. The winner of the game wa
Philip Wormser. The winning hanC
was four queens. Stevens held al
ace high flush, and the other two
players held "jack full' and "sev
en- FULL" respectively. Every MAJ
in the party bet his pile of chips OF
the result, and when at last the cal
was made everybody was cleaned GU
except the winner. A curious fea
ture about the game was that tn
players played with the usual oil,
blue and white colored chips, ant
distinguished the colors entirely b.
means of the sense of touch. MI
Stevens made his pack of cards will
4 sharp penknife. lie is so pleased
with the success of tho device, how
ever, that it is quite possible he will
apply TO the patent office for paten
and go into the manufacture exten
sively.
Semi-weekly south Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1883-1889, 1887-08-02
RECLAIMED RUBBER.
How 1t Is Employed In the Manufactu
of New Goods.

How 1t Is Employed In the Manufacture
OF New Goods.
It is well known among the dealers
in rubber goods, If not among the con-
sumers, that large amount OF old or
reclaimed rubber IS worked in with
the new gum rubber in the manutact-
ure of goods. This applies in fact to
all rubber goods which are made, to
boots and shoes, mechanical rubber
and to rubber clothing. So Tar
is that carried that some Of the
rubber clothing is said to
be made entirely of this old Or re-
claimed rubber. In some cases this re-
claimed rubber answers the purpose
very well, rs some of 1t is a good
quality and it gives body to the article.
In other cases it is of poor quality
and its only advantage is that it gives
body and is cheaper than the gum for
this purpose. Even the poorer grades
of reclaimed rubber, however. are oil
the nature of rubber and unite natur'
ally with the gum and form homo.
geneous mass, but this can not be said
of the chemicals and other foreign sub
stances which arc sometimes employed.
Thus whiting has been extensively
employed by rubber manufacturers.
because of its cheapness and weight al
filler, being very extensively worked
into some goods No one pretends to
say that it adds In any way to the value
of the goods. In fact it is claimed tc
be positive harm to them b
manufacturers must have n filler.
have used it extensively. Sf6'
Leather ReUictC.